Bike viewing help please

[caduceus]

I'm going to view a bike soon and wanted to know what to look out for.
It's a K5 GSXR 750 with 9k or so miles.

What should I be looking for and what should I be asking? (apart from FSH) All my knowledge is in cars and know very little about bikes, so forgive my ignorance.

Thanks in advance
Cad

[CoolHands]

chain and sprockets might be shagged.

[andburg]

most same as cars really, doe is start cold and warm., does it idle smoothly, smoke from exhaust, fluids, consumables, engine/chassis numbers.

Things I'd also check bit more specific

signs of perished or leaking fork seals

chain adjustment

Any signs the bike has been dropped, make sure bars are straight, scuffs to side and engine covers. random new bolts on engine and gearbox casings.

check footpegs for any abrasion underneath and look under the tail for any rubber as these could indicate its been used on track.

probably not an issue in this modern a bike but check the frame for any signs of cracking.

check belly pan for any signs of oil leaks

[Pothole]

check VIN is the same as the V5 (usually on the headstock RHS) Check the steering lockstops for damage, check the sump bolt/any other visible bolts for lockwire.

[podman]

You may well find a 10-11 year old jap sports bike with a FULL service history fairly rare, most bike owners are a little more hands on and do most servicing themselves, there certainly isnt the paranoia around a FSH and subsequent resale kicking that goes alongside having most "sports" cars.

Agree with all of the above , as a many time GSXR owner myself, saddens me to say, also look for naff & poorly fitted aftermarket ste along with annoidised trinkets, it goes with the territory..

[caduceus]

Thanks for the replies gents. Very helpful.
It does have a FSH and two keys.

How much should I be expecting to pay for said bike by the way?

Cheers
Cad

[caduceus]

caduceus said:

How much should I be expecting to pay for said bike by the way?

Anyone?
As I've seen one for £3750.00. But seems a little steep..

[dapearson]

Sounds about right. I'd expect £4k ish at a dealer with that mileage, hist, and if it's mint.

Privately i'd be happy paying £3.5k.

[caduceus]

dapearson said:

Sounds about right. I'd expect £4k ish at a dealer with that mileage, hist, and if it's mint.

Privately i'd be happy paying £3.5k.

Thanks for the reply.

Just need to see if there's anything wrong with it. Although it's a bit of a trek

[andburg]

use the ol PH borrow my eyes function?
See if anyone is local to it and can nip over save you wasting your time if they say its a shed

[datsunman]

I bought a K5 750 in the spring this year, it had 6k miles, dealer history until about 4k miles and private servicing thereafter. It was in top notch condition, needed nothing doing to it. I paid £3800, private sale. As it's winter and it has a bit more mileage I'd be trying for nearer £3,500 myself.

[caduceus]

£3.5 is pretty much what I'd offer, maybe 3.4.
He's given the ole 'a guy is coming to look at it tomorrow morning', so I only have later today to look at it. Feels like I'm rushing in to a purchase as it's going to be the first mike to look at. Not that that's a bad thing. Probably just being over cautious...

[caduceus]

£700 insurance is the best quote I've had in what's been a ridiculous last few hours on the phone....

[datsunman]

If it's any consolation I looked at four or five before seeing mine and they were all particularly bad, you'll know pretty quickly how well it's been looked after.

I insured mine through Carole Nash, haven't insured a bike for ten years but got a reasonable £330 for TPFT. Hopefully go down a bit next year.

[caduceus]

Thanks for the input Datsun.

I've got it down to £357 fully comp with legal & accident protection. But I feel so jaded after the rubbish I've had to endure today, I don't think I can be bothered to drive to Dorset to look at it

[MotorsportTom]

I live in South Somerset. At most it's properly an hours ride for me to see it!

Gimme a heads up where it is and I'll see what I can do. Not free thos evening though I'm afraid.

[caduceus]

MotorsportTom said:

I live in South Somerset. At most it's properly an hours ride for me to see it!

Gimme a heads up where it is and I'll see what I can do. Not free thos evening though I'm afraid.

Thanks for the offer Tom, very kind.

I didn't go today in the end. So if the chap who is supposedly going to look at the same bike in the morning, It'll be gone and wasn't meant to be I guess..

[podman]

caduceus said:

I didn't go today in the end. So if the chap who is supposedly going to look at the same bike in the morning, It'll be gone and wasn't meant to be I guess..

There is no shortage of GSXRs in the UK!

Another will pop up soon enough mate, keep hunting...great time of year to be buying.

[MikeA3]

OP - Theres a guide on what to look for on visordown's website which might be worth a read here:

http://www.visordown.com/road-tests-used/buyer-gui...

[lythaby]

Check if its had the Suzuki front brake recall completed.

Should have had a new master cylinder.